IMO, Salsa's in the best food in Asheville, probably the best food I have had in the Carolinas. It's real food, from a real ethnicity, but with the chef's unique, artistic spin on it. The flavor combinations are many times a revelation.

I've only been to Limones twice. It's pretty good food, and it strives to be more "upscale" than the casualness of Salsas, but I don't think it's even in the same class from quality of preparation and general deliciousness.

The only time I would consider going to Limones over Salsa's would be if I were entertaining people who had very traditional (picky) eating habits. I have some friends who just can't deal with flavors that are new to them, or in combinations that are new. Also, if I wanted to spend a long evening with lots of fancy(+expensive) boat drinks, and a slightly darker, quieter, less boho atmosphere, I might consider Limones. Finally, if I were around on a Sunday morning, I would do Limones because I have heard such glowing reviews of their brunch.

Thanks. We were thinking of going somewhere Mexican for Valentine's Day (it's kind of a tradition with us, because our first Vday we didn't make reservations and could only make it to a tacky Mexican place here in Raleigh). So you would suggest Limones for that night? I'm more into food and not atmosphere, really, but I heard that Salsa's wont take reservations, so that might be a problem...

Thanks for the trenchant and frequent reviews of the Asheville dining scene. We will be bidding farewell to Nashville and moving to Asheville this summer, so I suppose I'll have plenty of time to explore the food scene. I hope it continues to grow.

Thanks for the compliment, and may I say: nice blog. I run, too...it becomes necessary when the only other thing you think about is eating! (I got age-group 3rd in my first 5k this weekend...pardon the virtual back-pat)

Both restaurants are OK, but neither of them are what I think of when I think "Mexican." (Have never seen much goat cheese or roasted beets in Mexico). Salsa's I think of as a lunch place -- casual atmosphere and food. Yes they have burritos, but they are definitely not your typical meat-white cheese-lettuce-tomato variety. Nice meats, but I always find chunks of random fruit in my burrito. Maybe just me, but I don't really care for fruit in my savory dishes, and this fruit takes over the entire flavor. I think there is maybe one thing on the menu that does not come with some kind of fruit. Why?

Limones has a much better atmosphere. When you read the menu, you feeel like you are in for a real upscale meal, but once it arrives you realize it just fancified versions of your basic Mexican. The "mesa sopes" for example sound interesting with duck confit, goat cheese and avocado, but once you get them it is basically a poultry tostado with weirder tastes that don't really work. Not only that but they are small, as is everything there. I have a fairly small appetite and I can eat an appetizer, entree and dessert and not be full there. That might be a good thing, but it is NOT cheap (especially for what you get): apps $7-10, entrees around $15. I will say their cocktails are wonderful, but also quite pricey, for what you get.